Events

AWARDS PRESS RELEASE

Sanlam Top Destination Awards celebrates three years

(Cape Town, February) The annual Sanlam Top Destination Awards, in its third year running, plans to expand this year with additional entries, more guests at the awards ceremony, extravagant décor and further prolific sponsorship opportunities with the theme of Authentically African #MyHeartBeatsAfrica.

The awards have been designed by Discount Traveler for one purpose and that’s to uplift the hospitality industry in South Africa by acknowledging top accommodation establishments as key industry players.

Managing Director of Discount Traveler, Jonathan Pepler states that the Sanlam Top Destination Awards far exceeds our expectations, especially due to the great response we’ve received each year. “We are building a brand that will continue to show recognition to one of our country’s most influential industries and one that has a positive impact. The hospitality and tourism industry in its entirety is a driving force in our economy and to simply play a small role in this, is significant to the bigger picture.”

Pepler continues, “We strive to uplift that local family business that has put blood, sweat and tears into their establishment, to show people the utmost dedication that goes into running a guest house or B&B and then on the other hand we want to show recognition to the four and five-star hotels that are doing everything right in terms of service offering and deserve an applause.”

Entries are open to all accommodation establishments in South Africa and there are nine categories available to enter. Entries have been open from the 1st of February 2017 but voting will commence from the 1st of March 2017. Voting is open to the public and establishments are encouraged to get their guests to vote for them. Votes are tallied and the top establishments are then judged according to an internal set of criteria. Nominees are named and winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday, 14 September 2017 which will be held at the Kelvin Grove Club Ballroom.

Title sponsor of the awards remains financial giant Sanlam, while Rialheim ceramics plans to create unique centre pieces for each table at the ceremony, with various other large brands joining as well.